McGurk on international standby

Burton Albion forward Adam McGurk has been rewarded for some fine early season form for the Brewers by being placed on standby for the Northern Ireland squad.

Michael O’Neill’s side face Group F World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Luxembourg next month on the 6th and 10th September respectively.

24-year-old McGurk, a summer signing having left Tranmere, has settled in well at the Pirelli Stadium and will now join the Northern Ireland squad should there be any withdrawals.

Burton Albion Manager Gary Rowett commented: ‘It would be fantastic if he was called up. He's got recognition straight away and that reinforces the point I made to him in the summer when he signed - coming here wouldn't hinder his progress.

‘I told him that sometimes to take three or four steps forward you have to take one back first. I genuinely believe we can help Adam get to the level he wants.

‘It's the same as with Calvin (Zola) and Jacques (Maghoma). When Jacques arrived at Burton, he didn't see that level as where he wanted to be.

‘Jacques took a bit more time, because he was a young player, but after one really good season scoring lots of goals and making them too, he got the move - people were interested.